Today, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria had a meeting with Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon and Archimandrite Aetios, the Grand Ecclesiarch and Head of the Office of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
Metropolitans Gregory of Veliko Tarnovo, Seraphim of Nevrokopi, Cyprian of Stara Zagora, and Bishop Gerasim of Melnik were also present at the meeting in the Synodal Palace.
Metropolitan Emmanuel conveyed the fraternal greetings of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the beginning of the reception, emphasizing the support and good relations between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, as well as the desire for cooperation in various areas of common ecclesiastical interest.
“We hope that these good relations will continue to strengthen during your Patriarchal ministry,” said Metropolitan Emmanuel. Patriarch Daniel, on his part, expressed gratitude for the presence of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at his enthronement.
During the meeting, discussions were held on current issues concerning the Orthodox Church and its global mission, including dialogue among local Churches, the upcoming celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, and other topics of mutual interest. The example of dialogue and diplomacy in inter-religious relations in Bulgaria was highlighted by Patriarch Daniel and the members of the Holy Synod in attendance. Patriarch Daniel also informed Metropolitan Emmanuel about the changes in the Law on Religious Freedom, specifically the attempt to legalize a parallel Orthodox Church in Bulgaria and its registration, which was adopted by the National Assembly earlier this year.
At the conclusion of the reception, the Patriarch mentioned the decision of the Holy Synod to bestow the Order of St. John of Rila upon Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his assistance and support in resolving the unfortunate schism in the Orthodox Church of Bulgaria that had persisted since the end of the last century.
Commemorative gifts were exchanged at the end of the meeting.
